Purpose: Higher Education (HE) has a role to play in inclusive national growth. This paper aims to explore the potential contribution of a private institute to this end.Methods: A case study including a review of the philosophy, vision, mission and learning environment of Nile College, Sudan.Findings: Nile College adopts a holistic philosophy articulated on excellence in education, leading to personal development and the improvement of the quality of life of individuals and communities and as a means to build sound values and morality necessary for good citizenship. Such development-oriented philosophy provides a platform for a supportive learning environment including curricula, facilities, research and monitoring and evaluation that produces skilled and motivated health workers, aiming ultimately at a socio-cultural and sustained development.Value/Originality: It provides evidence that private HE is not a profitable enterprise but can be a robust learning system for national growth.Keywords: Excellence in teaching; Heritage; Nile College; Professionalism; Sudan; Social responsibility; Sustainability; University of Khartoum; WFME